The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-06-15

thought with DIR. Bargrave of Ghent,
that salt was the true elirir ritde, that
old age was conquered by two-thirds of
an ounce of chloride of sodium taken
daily.
His hospitable leanings had one inva-
riably delightful manifestation. 1t was
the usage for lawyers going on the cir
cult, and they travelled in body, TO
carry with them what Harris called the
"spondoolicks," the material for the
general lunch on the way. Vannerson's
was always superior in quality and
quantity. 1t was only on such occa-
sions, in later years, that he drank wine
or spirits socially, and, it was observed,
that he surpassed his messmates in this
particular also, and drank with much
relish, but did not partake of the liquor
of others, though freely dispensing his
own. In the courtroom Vannerson was
conspicuous as the most commanding
figure in the group. He "got himself
up" on occasions. His tall person, his
rich black coat, and spotless linen, his
shining watch-chain and breastpin, his
radiant face, his snow-white hair dress
ed to display high, shapely forehead,
the grave decorous speech and collected
manner, never abashed, or hustered or
hurried, combined to create the impress
sion of great dignity, respectability and
wisdom. 1t seemed impossible TO asso-
ciate him with droll, mirth-provoking
sayings, yet that was what the crowd
looked for and was seldom disap-
pointed.
He always believed he was a great
man. True, he discovered that his con-
temporaries at the bar did not so regard
him while they admired his many good
qualities of head and heart. But this
he attributed to professional rivalry on
the part of some, and, on the part of
others, incapacity to appreciate true
greatness. As to the opinion of the
masses, whom he, with Bulwer, called
the common herd" he professed 20 be
utterly Indifferent, though in point of
fact sensitive as a woman to praise or
blame.
At the close of the war, his practice
gone, his slaves free, he accepted as
necessity from the military authorities
the Office of chancery clerk. When Al
corn came in as Governor he wanted to
be chancellor, and to prove that his four
score years and more were no objection,
he dressed himself up with all his for
mer elegance, and rode on horseback
sixty miles to the Capital to make in
person his application to the Executive.
But he was disappointed-he was too
old, and could not hear word without |
the aid of his ear trumpet. He then re-
tired to his home, aud to the end was
taken care of and supported by his old |
slave servant, Mary, who lies buried by
his side, while her children, under his
will, now own and occupy "Roslin Cas-
tle"
He was Master Mason, and attended |
the Lodge till his feet refused to carry
him longer to its doors. He was the |
Secretary of Eastern Star Lodge, No. |
70, from 1854 to 1S71-a consecutive |
period of eighteen years. He was a
firm believer in the great plan of saliva |
tion taught by our Saviour. At last, on
22d January, 1875, he lay down to his last |
sleep. Death had for him no terrors, |
for he looked upon it as but an admis-
sion into a mansion not made with
hands" He passed away peacefully, as
dies the wave along the shore. And 81 |
heard voice from Heaven saying unto |
me, write blessed are the dead who die
in the Lord" G. S. MCMILLAN.
June /, 1887.